Toy guns could lead to real problem

Jeanne Phillips, Universal Press Syndicate

December 9, 2011

Dear Abby: I recently met a man I love dearly, but I don't agree with the toys he buys for his 10-year-old son, "Dale." The boy can't leave the house without bringing a toy gun along. The video games he plays (unsupervised) are gory and rated M (17 and over).

Dale is not mature for his age. He often whines when he doesn't get his way. He's allowed on the Internet without supervision, and I have caught him surfing naughty pictures. When I told his dad, he laughed and said, "Boys will be boys!"

I'm afraid for my 6-year-old daughter. A few weeks ago, Dale decided he wanted to play "good guys/bad guys" with her. He grabbed my daughter in a choke hold and held a toy gun to her head. I have since had nightmares that Dale will find a real gun, think it's a play gun and shoot my daughter.

I don't think it's healthy for my daughter to be around Dale. How do I handle this with my boyfriend?

Paranoid and Perplexed

Dear Paranoid and Perplexed: How did your boyfriend handle the "good guys/bad guys" incident? The answer to that question will provide you with insight. If his reaction wasn't to your satisfaction, then you must place your child's safety above your heart's desire.

Dear Abby: I am a divorced, childless, independent and financially secure woman. I live happily in my upscale apartment.

How do I respond to family members, co-workers and friends who constantly ask, "Why don't you buy a house and quit throwing your money away paying rent?"

I don't want to be tied to a 30-year mortgage. What is a proper response to those questions? "I don't want to" hasn't been enough.

Happy Renter in Houston

Dear Happy Renter: The responsibilities of home ownership aren't for everyone, and many individuals have realized it as bills for repair work, insurance and property taxes mounted. You might mention that to the inquirers, although your response should have been sufficient. A way to change the subject would be, "Now, let's talk about something else."